American Agri-Women will be holding its annual convention this year at Hueston Woods Lodge!

American Agri-Women will be holding its annual convention this year at Hueston Woods Lodge!

Posted on Monday, October 13, 2014

HUESTON WOODS — American Agri-Women (AAW) will kick off a yearlong 40th anniversary celebration at its annual convention held this year at Hueston Woods Lodge & Convention Center, College Corner, Ohio, Nov. 6-8.

The Ohio Agri-Women affiliate is hosting this year’s convention, with the theme “Bridging the Path from Farm to Fork.”

The organization had its first coalition meeting in 1974 and its chartering meeting in 1975, both in Milwaukee. Since then, AAW has grown to become the nation’s largest coalition of farm, ranch and agribusiness women representing more than 50 state, commodity and agribusiness affiliates.

“I am so proud to be part of a group that — for decades — has advocated for agriculture at the local, state and national level,” says Sue McCrum, AAW’s president, who is part of a family potato farm in Maine. “Our convention is a time when we come together to learn about the latest issues, network with experts and with each other, and enjoy time with old and new friends. Our Ohio affiliate has planned a great event and we invite anyone interested in agriculture and food issues to join us.”

The event will include business meetings, officer elections, tours and an awards ceremony. Speakers include:

Tim Derickson, state representative from the 53rd district in Ohio. Derickson will open the program portion of the convention and welcome visitors to Ohio.

Lindsay (Bowman) Sankey a blogger who is also part of a family cattle farm. She will share tips and strategies for successfully sharing stories and advocacy messages through blogging. Her blog is Jean’s Boots are Made for Talking.

Lori Firsdon, owner of Forte Organizers. Firsdon will share organizational tips for homes and offices, with the goal of helping attendees feel less overwhelmed. Firsdon is a Dayton Daily News columnist and has been featured on national television shows on the topic of organization.

Heather Dulle, regional vice president at Protective Life. Dulle will educate attendees on the three lifetime income sources in retirement, social security, pensions and annuities. She has earned her designation as a Certified Retirement Counselor and has received awards from Protective Life for annuity sales.

Purdue University Associate Professor and Extension Specialist Corrine Alexander. Alexander will discuss grain marketing and storage strategies in both commodity and specialty markets.